Best beach town in the South? Georgia has No. 1 pick by Southern Living

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Georgia is heating up and school is out for many families, meaning it’s time to head to the ocean. Luckily, we’re home to some of the best beach towns, according to Southern Living, including their top pick.

The rankings were based on 10,000 responses to a third-party survey conducted during the summer two years ago.

What is the best beach town in Georgia?

St. Simons Island at No. 1: “Visitors come in waves to this alluring town where the peel ‘n’ eat shrimp and gorgeous sunsets are requirements….Paddle the marshes for wildlife sightings, sail on the open waters, cast a line off the pier, bike along more than 20 miles of oak-canopied paths (or on the packed sand), and peruse the collection of boutiques in Pier Village. History buffs will enjoy the battle-site landmarks, picturesque churches, and famous 1872 St. Simons Lighthouse Museum.”

Tybee Island at No. 4: “Often called Savannah’s Beach, this tiny barrier island, located about a 30-minute drive from the city, packs a big punch. Discover over three miles of beaches, hundreds of years of history (see old military forts and the iconic black-and-white Tybee Island Light Station, built in 1773), and lots of opportunities to explore nature. Try birding in secluded preserves or kayaking on serene waterways.”

Jekyll Island at No. 5: “The southernmost of Georgia’s Golden Isles was once a retreat for the country’s wealthiest families, but today it’s beloved by all. The protected barrier island is a haven for local wildlife thanks to facilities like the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. You can stroll along Driftwood Beach to take in an otherworldly, nature-made sculpture garden that’s composed of weathered trees and branches.”

Best restaurants at St. Simons Island

Here are the top five restaurants on St. Simons Island, according to Yelp (excluding those with less than 4 stars and 100 reviews):

1. Fiddlers
2. Porch
3. Palmer’s Village Cafe
4. Barrier Island Brewing
5. The Half Shell

Best hotels at St. Simons Island

Here are the top five hotels on St. Simons Island, according to Tripadvisor:

1. King & Prince Beach & Golf Resort
2. Home2 Suites by Hilton St. Simons Island
3. Saint Simons Inn by the Lighthouse
4. Holiday Inn Express Saint Simons Island by IHG
5. The Inn by Sea Island

Best restaurants at Tybee Island

Here are the top five restaurants on Tybee Island, according to Yelp (excluding those with less than 4 stars and 100 reviews):

1. Salt Island Fish & Beer
2. The Deck
3. Zunzibar
4. Bubba Gumbo’s
5. Sundae Cafe

Best hotels at Tybee Island

Here are the top five hotels on Tybee Island, according to Tripadvisor:

1. Hotel Tybee
2. DeSoto BeachHotel
3. Dunes Inn & Suites
4. Royal Palms Motel
5. Admiral’s Inn on Tybee Island

Best restaurants at Jekyll Island

Here are the top five restaurants on Jekyll Island, according to Yelp (excluding those with less than 4 stars and 50 reviews):

1. Zachry’s Riverhouse
2. The Love Shack BBQ Shrimp and Yardbird
3. 24 Coastal Grill
4. Corridor Z Kitchen + Cocktails
5. The Pantry

Best hotels at Jekyll Island

Here are the top five hotels on Jekyll Island, according to Tripadvisor:

1. Hampton Inn & Suites Jekyll Island
2. Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Jekyll Island
3. The Beachview Club
4. Jekyll Island Club Resort
5. Holiday Inn Resort Jekyll Island by IHG

What are the best Southern beach towns?

Here are the top 10 beach towns on Souther Living’s list:

1. St. Simons Island, GA
2. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, AL
3. Hilton Head Island, SC
4. Tybee Island, GA
5. Jekyll Island, GA
6. Sanibel Island, FL
7. St. Augustine Beach, FL
8. Myrtle Beach, SC
9. Fairhope, AL
10. Fernandina Beach, FL

Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for USA Today. Find him on Instagram @miguelegoas and email at [email protected].